Chelle reveals Super Eagles “Mafia” he can’t do without

By our reporter 26.10.2025
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed the group of players he mostly relies on in managing the team.
Chelle said in a chat with Segun Odegbami’s Eagle 7 FM 103.7 that the four players including Victor Osimhen, William Troost Ekong, Simon Moses and Wilfred Ndidi.
“I have a little circle, we can say four or five players, that I turn to when I need to ask something.”
“When I want something, the first I ask is William, Moses, Wilfred and Victor Osimhen. If I’m not happy with the group, I talk to these guys.
“If I want to ask the players questions, I ask them first before I make my decision.”
Back in the era of late Stephen Keshi in the late 80s and 90s it was an open secret there was a clique in the team led by Keshi and later on Daniel Amokachi…a clique which influenced team selection and tactics.
Nigeria Football sources hinted that in the present team, having untouchable players may have contributed to the team’s struggles in the World Cup qualifiers.
“You will notice that apart from our last game against Benin Republic, our team lacked unity of purpose.
“There was no harmony, players who feel they do not belong didn’t often come to the party with their A game,” said the football official.
Meanwhile, Chelle said he is sticking with Troost Ekong as his captain despite fans demand he be dropped from the team due to poor form.
“I never talked about the captain. For me, my captain is William Troost-Ekong.
“The reality is, first, William Troost-Ekong is my captain. After that, we will see what happens before the AFCON or maybe not.”